Poems for Travellers and Future Explorers

I don’t make New Year’s resolutions, but one of my projects for 2013 was to start mailing postcards to my sisters from all the places I visit. I am the oldest of four sisters, two of them under 13. I know that they miss me, and I miss them a lot too.

We haven’t had very much contact this past year, and they’ve recently been going through some tough family challenges. I wanted to reach out to them again. The two older ones have already had their fair share of rough waters, and it sucks to see the little ones still going through bumpy times.

My hope is that these postcards will be something they can collect, and that will help them feel connected to me even though I’m far away. Although they’re not old enough to visit me on their own, I hope that I can inspire them to someday take journeys of their own and travel on their own terms.

There’s so much more to the world than what they have seen, and I wish for them many adventures. When I was growing up, I would have loved to know someone who was traveling and forging a path for me to follow, opening my eyes to new possibilities (sometimes our own spaces can feel claustrophobic). I hope to be that person for them.

Today I bought my first postcards, and wrote the following poem for them. I’m sending each of them different verses on their postcards, so when they combine the cards, it will be the entire poem. I thought I’d share it here as well.

I also added another two poems that I wrote with the same intentions, for future postcards and travels.

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For Elizabeth, Emma, Kayla, and Naty. You guys are awesomeness in tiny packages.

With Far Away Love From Your Sister

It’s a really big world.

But also, it’s small.

Just when you think that you have seen it all

There’s one tiny detail you missed or forgot,

One part of the world where you did not stop.

It’s a really big world.

But also, it’s tiny.

There’s old and there’s new and there’s rocky and slimy.

There’s mountains and deserts and valleys and trees.

How cool is it that you can go where you please?

It’s a really big world.

But also, it’s little.

North, East, South, and West. And don’t miss the middle!

You’ll have lots of time to go where you choose.

There’s so much to learn—how can you refuse?

So when you can travel, pack water and snacks.

Go far and go fearless and never come back.

Go up and go down and even go sideways.

Anything’s possible when you decide it!

Say goodbye to old things; say hello to the new.

Say thanks to all those who help you pass through.

Sometimes you’ll need help; sometimes you’ll help others.

You’re certain to find a new sister or brother.

Go out where there’s people, and explore where there’s none.

Forget all the rules; don’t forget to have fun.

Be safe but be fearless; be silly but wise.

Keep your helpful hands busy. Smile with your eyes.

It’s a really big world.

But also, it’s home.

You’ll find other travelers; you won’t be alone.

And when you decide it’s your time to come through,

You’ll find me here waiting… still waiting for you.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *

On Money and Important Stuff (And Stuff That’s Not Really That Important After All)

10 responses

Oh Vanessa, these poems were just beautiful. As a mother with children and stepchildren who are more than a decade apart in age, I know how important it is that the younger ones have strong relationships with the older siblings. My youngest two have been through some extremely difficult times and I only hope that their older half-siblings can make the kind of encouraging effort with them that you’ve made with your younger sisters. You are the kind of young woman who would make a parent proud.

Thanks for reminding me that it’s never too late to dream! I lost my mother about a year ago and she was my Big Encourager, so I’ve really missed that.

Your encouragement of your sisters has reached out and helped me too! :)

Thanks Shannon, that means a lot! The two youngest and my half and/or step sisters. It’s hard to feel connected sometimes because of the huge age difference, but I hope I can be around when they need me.

You are off to a great start with the poem/postcard idea. And I love the fact that they will all get to put their heads together to make the poem complete. Very creative and unifying! They will be thrilled! Best wishes!

I love this. It really is AWESOME! I too have a young sister back home (14). This is such a great idea. I think I may borrow some of these thoughts with a twist…and hopefully help her keep her chin up and her eye to her future. Life Is So Good! Thank-you for your posts. I do truly enjoy them. 😃

A couple years ago I spent 9 weeks riding my motorbike around southern Australia. My partner couldn’t come with me so I sent her a postcard every single day. I bet your sisters will love your postcards and poems as much as my partner loved mine.

That’s such a gorgeous idea to send a verse to each sister on a postcard – and also to send your sisters postcards to collect. They must all be inspired for a life of adventure with a big sister like you! I’m enjoying penpalling with a few dear friends, notes on paper is the one treasure that I will allow to enter my tiny little van home! Katie. XXX